Kenya's security agencies have identified 109 organised criminal gangs and groups operating across the country, raising fresh concerns about the possible use of criminal networks in violence as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.
According to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the number of identified groups has risen from the 89 organised criminal groups declared illegal in 2016 through Gazette Notice No. 10427. The government says it is intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks and prevent them from being used to threaten public security.
The Daily Nation reported that the government is particularly concerned about organised crime ahead of the 2027 polls, with security agencies pursuing both individual offenders and the wider networks behind criminal activities. The government has also linked the groups to offences including violence, intimidation and extortion.
Western Kenya has emerged as the region with the highest number of identified groups, accounting for 38 of the 109. The Rift Valley follows with 22, while Nairobi has 20.
The Standard reported that the remaining groups are distributed across Nyanza, Coast, Eastern, North-Eastern and Central Kenya. Nyanza has 12 groups, Coast 11, Eastern three, North-Eastern two and Central one, bringing the total to 109.
The regional figures have drawn attention because Western Kenya, the Rift Valley and Nairobi collectively account for 80 of the 109 identified groups. This means the three regions alone account for nearly three-quarters of the groups currently being monitored by security agencies.
The Citizen Digital report on the government crackdown confirmed the increase from 89 to 109 groups and highlighted the authorities' concern over organised criminal activity and goonism ahead of the 2027 election.
The concern is not limited to ordinary criminal activity. Security officials have warned that organised youth groups could be recruited or mobilised to intimidate political opponents, carry out attacks or disrupt political activities as campaigns for the 2027 election gain momentum.
The Star reported that Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo warned against the use of criminal groups for political intimidation, attacks and harassment. He also stressed that people who recruit, finance or direct such groups could face accountability alongside those who participate directly in criminal activities.
The government is also widening its strategy beyond simply arresting gang members. Authorities are targeting the people who organise, finance and recruit for criminal networks, with investigations also focusing on the money supporting organised crime.
According to People Daily, the government's approach includes targeting gang leaders, recruiters and financiers while strengthening intelligence-led investigations into criminal networks. The strategy is intended to make it harder for gangs to reorganise after individual members are arrested.
The crackdown has already produced thousands of court cases. Between January 1 and August 31, 2026, security agencies arrested and arraigned 1,827 suspects over offences connected to goonism and organised criminal activity.
Daily Nation reported that Trans Nzoia recorded the highest number of arrests at 491 during the period. Authorities also secured 729 convictions, while another 716 cases remained before the courts.
The government says the response will not depend entirely on arrests and prosecutions. Prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration are also being considered, particularly for young people vulnerable to recruitment into criminal groups.
Capital FM reported that security agencies are also being directed to strengthen cooperation, intelligence gathering and enforcement against organised criminal networks. Regional police commanders have been urged to take firm but lawful action against criminal gangs and organised violence.
The 2025 Parliament of Kenya State of National Security report also highlighted factors that can make young people vulnerable to recruitment into criminal gangs, including unemployment, substance abuse, youthful truancy and political patronage. The report warned that intense political competition can contribute to the recruitment of vulnerable youths into criminal groups.
Regional distribution of the 109 groups
- Western — 38
- Rift Valley — 22
- Nairobi — 20
- Nyanza — 12
- Coast — 11
- Eastern — 3
- North-Eastern — 2
- Central — 1
Total — 109
The government has released the regional breakdown, but the available reports do not indicate that authorities have publicly released the names of all 109 groups on a county-by-county basis. The figures therefore show the distribution of the groups rather than a complete public list of their names.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, security agencies face the challenge of preventing criminal networks from becoming tools of political intimidation or violence.
The bigger question is whether the government's latest crackdown will be enough to stop organised criminal groups from being recruited or used during the 2027 election campaigns.
Do you think Kenya is doing enough to prevent criminal gangs from being used for political violence ahead of the 2027 elections? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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